A fire affected the old buildings of Santiago’s historical and commercial district. Santiago is the nation’s second largest city. The fire caused thousands in losses in the Del Sol, Juan Antonio Alix, 30 de Marzo and General Cabrera street blocks. The fire is said to have been caused by a short circuit. Press reports indicate that there have been seven fires in six years in the same area. These are attributed to the aging electricity system of the old edifices and to the practice of keeping flammable materials within the buildings, such as fuel for power plants.
